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3.15.2019

Have you heard about the Kitty Sweater KAL we are gearing up for in my Ravelry group? It is time for a new spring sweater, don't you think?

It is definitely important for you to understand how Kitty is constructed, especially if you are thinking of making any adjustments to the pattern! Kitty is a seamless sweater that uses my side-to-side Novus Construction in a new way... ready?

Step 1:

Cast on with the right sleeve of the sweater.

Work the sleeve... this is actually the gauge swatch (the pattern will tell you more about that!)

Step 2:

Provisionally cast on sts for the front and back of your sweater. This is where you will add length for the bodice if you need it!

Step 3:

Then you'll work across all the sts, back, sleeve, front and work the shoulder rows to the neckline split.

Next, you’ll be splitting your stitches for the neckline, working neckline shaping and separating the shoulder from the front and back.

Step 4:

Then you'll rejoin for the left shoulder and work it!

Step 5:

Once the left shoulder is done, you'll put your front and back sts on scrap yarn and then work the left sleeve and bind it off.

Step 6:

Time for some Origami...
fold your sweater in half at the shoulder!

Step 7:

Pick up stitches along each edge of a sleeve and coordinating side seam and then work a side panel up. As you work through the Side Panel, RS rows decrease st(s) from the Front, and WS rows decrease st(s) from the Back.

Step 8:

Ok, now for some fun! Pick up sts along the bottom border of the bodice!

Step 9:

Work these sts in the round, down until your sweater is its desired length! You've got room to play here!!!Then, bind off, block and wear!

12.20.2018

I have this need to "clean" up languishing projects on my needles at the end of the year so I can start fresh! It may be my secret to actually getting things done! Read the story of my new tunic below...

It all started with a trip to Ireland last spring... we went to Studio Donegal, and I fell hard for this armful of Donegal Wool Spinning Company, a limited edition worsed weight yarn spun in Donegal by Studio Donegal.

Luckily I ran out of "work" knitting towards the end of my trip and was able to start it on my way home. I decided I wanted to try the Novus construction but with a new twist I thought of in a pub one night! (Them's dangerous words right there...)

In a nutshell, my Novus construction is worked flat side to side and I wanted to try working part of it in the round. So, the top is knit flat, I just made the top part short (like a bolero) by casting on way less sts for the side seams, and then joined with side panels (as all of the other sweaters in this construction are). Then I just picked up all the way around it and worked down in the round!

Working in the round, meant I could play with color.... I did some slight a-line shaping to allow for my pear, but nothing too extreme, I wanted to the lines pretty straight.

I finished the top at some point early last summer and sat languishing in a basket until a month ago when I decided to finish it up! After all, if there is anytime I could use a knit dress, it is now! Wool Bum Warmer for the WIN! (Details on Ravelry)

Aaaannnd, I haven't decided if I am going to write this up or not. The yarn I used isn't easily available, but it is certainly a warm memory of my trip! maybe in fingering weight? With some options for different lengths? What do you think? I'm all ears!

11.15.2018

What a glorious weekend I just had with 50 knitters from the US and Canada! Want to see a few photos from the 2nd annual Knit Ithaca? Seriously, I feel so incredibly blessed to have you all be part of my life! Who knew what would happen when I learned to knit almost 15 years ago!

Almost everybody... a few people stayed back at the hotel to rest up!

The format of Knit Ithaca is unique... we have knit nights every night, classes on Saturday, and a tour of the Fingerlakes on Sunday. This year we had an added Monday extension to Corning Museum of Glass! Every year I invite a teacher to teach along side me, this year's teacher was Mary Jane Mucklestone... my only flaw in inviting Mary Jane was that I wanted to take her class on the interaction of color and I was teaching at the same time she was!

A selection of photos from the Saturday Night public knit night photo booth with Jamie:

I also designed an Ithaca inspired project for the weekend... it started out as a cowl, but ended up as a full collection! Introducing the Itha-Cowl, the Itha-Mitts and Itha-Head! All the patterns are up on Ravelry now, and there are kits in my Etsy shop! I am pretty proud of these pieces, they are a departure for me design wise (there are no beads!) and I LOVE them!

Interested in attending a future Knit Ithaca? You can read more here...

9.20.2018

Time for our next knitting adventure... This is one I've been dreaming about organizing for a while, ever since I found out I like to cruise! How about a little outdoor adventure, with knitting on the ship in between?

I have a room reserved for us on the ship for nightly knit nights... activities are being planned for our day at sea with no extra charge! I have an idea up my sleeve that I think you will all ADORE!!! I will be designing something super special for the trip. Yarn will be included in your goodie bag and the piece will be revealed at Sweet Georgia Yarns on our first night together. We'll have a class that focus's on the skills used in the new design on the first day and then I'll be available to get you going and help with any knitting questions throughout the trip. We have arranged group dinners every night we are on the boat.

Daily Itinerary:July 27th- Vancouver- Meet at 5pm the hotel lobby for a tour of Vancouver City, a stop at Granville Island for dinner (on your own) and a visit to Maiwa Handprints. and then a studio tour and visit (with shopping!) at Sweet Georgia Yarns.
(Included: Overnight at Residence Marriott Vancouver Downtown and breakfast)
July 28th- Vancouver-Check on board Holland America's newly renovated and highly reviewed Westerdam
(Included: Hotel/pier transfer, all meals on board the ship)July 29th- Scenic Cruising Day-Class with Laura (the group will be split in two so you'll have time to do other things on the ship!)July 30th- Ketchikan
July 31st- Juneau
August 1st- Skagway
August 2nd- Glacier Bay
August 3rd- Sea Day- Laura has a plan for this day that will be ALOT of fun and be quite interactive!August 4th- Seward/Anchorage- (trip is over for those not doing the Denali extension.You will be transferred by motorcoach from Seward to Anchorage for your return flight home) Those doing the extension will transfer by rail to Anchorage from Seward.I am looking into a visit to a Musk Ox farm later this day but don't have timing from the cruise ship to organize this yet... if I can pull it together there will be an extra fee (hopefully not big!).
(Included: Overnight in Anchorage, meals not included for the rest of the trip, a meal plan is available if desired... I just plan to eat ALOT on the boat and then take it easy for a few days! )

August 5th and 6th- Denali- Train to Denali and two nights to explore and discover Denali National Park. Full Day Tundra Wilderness Tour included... who wants to see a grizzly with me? We will have a room at the hotel for knitting/hanging in the evening!
(Included: Overnight in Denali, meal plan available upon request)August 7th- Fairbanks- Train to Fairbanks, and an afternoon riverboat cruise with lunch!
(Included: Overnight in Fairbanks, lunch on riverboat, final farewell event)

Included: Goody Bag with yarn to knit the design Laura is making for the trip, customized guide with yarn and fiber related activities to discover at each port, hospitality room for nightly knit nights, class with Laura and knitting related events, all port charges and taxes, meals while on ship.
Not Included: Tips, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining on ship, flights, airport/hotel transfers in Vancouver, optional shore and destination excursions

Pricing starts at $1859 pp for Cruise ONLY and $3179.00 per person for the Cruise + Denali Extension Single Supplement Available.Right now Holland America is running a promo and your on board experience may include a Beverage Package and Dining Experience... The promo is subject to availability, certain terms, and is subject to expire at any time.AND AAA of Central NY is in the middle of an Alaska marketing blitz and Holland America is giving all 2019 Alaska cruise only and cruse/land journeys added benefits. The benefits are up to $200 on board credit (based on category and land extension), 2 more dining experiences, and Denali Dollars for land extensions to Denali. Deposits must be paid by 10/4 to lock in this promo!

$900 per person non-refundable deposit due at book your spot.Final payment due by May 7, 2019. Travel Insurance is highly recommended and due at time of deposit.Cost is based on total trip cost and age of traveler.

Or E-mail Melissa at AAA Western and Central New York at knitalaska19@nyaaa.com

Oh, and do you want to hear the best part?
My girl is coming with me... so bring your family... we will have plenty of time to play with them in Alaska during the day and then knit together in the evening! Can you tell I am SUPER excited?